The Week at State | April 29-May 5 - Secretary Antony Blinken traveled to Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Israel

 

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The Week at State  |  April 29-May 5

In “The Week at State,” Secretary Antony Blinken traveled to Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Israel to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and work toward a ceasefire that brings hostages home. The Secretary also traveled to Arizona, where he talked to local leaders about the impacts and challenges of fentanyl and other synthetic drugs. Building a Just and Lasting Peace

Secretary Blinken started his week in Saudi Arabia, where he joined representatives from across the Middle East to discuss achieving lasting peace and security in the region, and efforts to obtain a ceasefire with the release of hostages. Progress Made Delivering Aid in Gaza   In Jordan, Secretary Blinken visited a warehouse that, with U.S. support, is facilitating the delivery of life-saving aid in Gaza.  Later on in his trip, the Secretary visited Kerem Shalom to see the work of getting aid across the Israeli border and into Gaza.  “This work is absolutely vital, and progress must continue to address humanitarian needs,” Secretary Blinken said on Twitter/X.  Secretary Blinken Sits Down with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu In Israel, Secretary Blinken met with Prime Minister Netanyahu and Israeli officials.  The Secretary reiterated the need for Israel to protect civilians and increase life-saving humanitarian aid throughout Gaza. Secretary Blinken Addresses the Fentanyl Crisis From Arizona Secretary Blinken returned to the U.S. and headed to Arizona. He toured an emergency call center in Tucson, where 40 percent of the calls received are fentanyl related.   “The overdose crisis is devastating communities across the U.S., but we can’t tackle it alone,” Secretary Blinken said on Twitter/X. “We’re working with 152 countries to stop the global flow of illicit drugs.” Committing to an Engaged America Secretary Blinken headlined the McCain Institute’s 2024 Sedona Forum, where he had a conversation with Senator Mitt Romney. They discussed U.S. foreign policy, including the Secretary’s recent trips to China and the Middle East.  “Our commitment to an engaged America is more important than ever as we address challenges in the Middle East, Ukraine, with China and beyond,” Secretary Blinken said on Twitter/X. Students Flex Their Diplomatic Skills at Model UN Conference Under Secretary Liz Allen spent time with some impressive young student delegates on April 29 during the State Department’s annual Model UN Conference.  “They tackled global challenges with skill and diplomacy, proving the future is in capable hands,” Under Secretary Allen said on Twitter/X. State Department Expands Access to Studying Abroad The State Department announced on May 2 that it awarded the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to around 2,100 American undergraduate students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.  On average, 70 percent of Gilman recipients self-identify as racial or ethnic minorities, and 60 percent are from rural areas and small towns. This cohort will study or intern in more than 90 countries.  Since the program’s inception in 2001, more than 41,000 Gilman scholars have studied or interned in more than 160 countries around the globe.  Let the Beautiful Game Begin On May 1, Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma and other State Department officials met with FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Washington to discuss preparations for the 2026 Men’s FIFA World Cup.  “We can’t wait to bring the #FIFAWorldCup back to North America in just over two years,” Deputy Secretary Verma said on Twitter/X.

This Week May 5-11: Public Service Recognition Week May 6-7: Secretary Blinken travels to California and Guatemala May 9: World Food Prize Laureate Ceremony May 6-10: Air Quality Awareness Week   Looking Ahead May 13: NATO Youth Summit May 22-24: Kenya State Visit

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